Mumbelty Peg... I just about wrote an explanation of this knife and peg game we played as kids. Not often, mind you, but just enough to prove we could throw a knife, stick it in the ground blade first, and then humiliate our target.
At least, that’s the way I remember the “game.”
At no time were any feet impaled. But I do remember a time when practicing that the knife stuck in the ground the wrong way, and I sliced the skin deeply at the base of my thumb. Immediately, I ran into the house, ran water over the wound, wrapped it up with a rag, and pretended it never happened. It took weeks for the wound to close.
But I never looked at a knife the same way again!
As I write this, I realize it is analogous to other situations I’ve faced. Either from someone else or even my own stinking way of handling a situation, we often mask the wound, let it heal slowly, and pretend it never happened.
Too often, we rinse the moment off, wrap up the wound in a tired ol’ rag, and pray nobody realizes how much it hurt.
Closing The Wound: When you don't know what to do with a wound, too often, we mask the wound, let it heal slowly, and pretend it never happened. Click To TweetNow, I’m old enough to realize most hurts heal over time. The person or situation deflates, fizzles out of our life, and we “buck up” and face the next moment thinking, “Lesson learned!” (My bride and I just talked about this from another perspective. At least we are aware enough to enjoy learning a lesson that we are sure will never be repeated!)
That’s a good way to handle most of life’s lessons. But if I don’t create a new playing field, then I’m probably doomed to let the challenge face me repeatedly.
I look at the base of my thumb, and the scar that represents that early lesson is not visible. It healed well. 60 years of the past hurt. Gone. No scar. It’s just a faint memory.
Handling Wounds
An old line from some past story, “It’s just like you. Bring a knife to a gunfight.”
First of all. Never discount any weapon brought to any fight. Solomon says, “It’s the little foxes that spoil the vine.” (Song of Solomon 2:15)
At the same time, remember that some of our worst wounds come in the house of our friends. (Zechariah 13:6) Et tu, brute? Our trust is well intended, but you seldom know which game is afoot behind others’ masks. Alongside that, we are often quickly hurt and return the jab as a response.
Friends quickly become enemies.
I wish I could stay on this thought awhile, but I’ve been bragging how I’ve trimmed my blog posts down in size and I wouldn’t wish this deep thought on anyone. So. Keep it at the surface.
Years ago, Cub/Boy Scouting, we learned how to care for ourselves or one another when we got hurt. For those lessons, we earned a badge. The lessons were learned, and I’m quick to cleanse and properly close a wound so infection does not occur.
Generally.
My Granddad turned to welcome his grandkids to the lake, and he had blood all over his overalls. We paused and pointed. He looked and sighed. Hmmm. Must have cut myself! He did. He just wiped it off on his pants leg and hugged us anyway! Lesson learned. Be careful around power tools!
Separate from a bodily wound, there are mental and emotional wounds. Yes. Even Spiritual wounds.
From the outside looking in, I often feel like we treat wounds too personally. Like Granddad, wipe it off and keep on moving. But what works for one doesn’t work for all. Some need specialty care. If I’m not the one to give it, then let’s find the ones who can. Some are called to administer First Aid. Some are not.
We should all understand how to handle a wound until we know what the wound needs.
After Jesus arose, Thomas said he would never believe it was Jesus until he could touch the wounds. He got his wish! (John 20:25-29) Jesus was treated after death, and wounds don’t heal after you die. But now? The wounds representing the violence of his death are not available for inspection after he arose.
Knife and Peg
This morning, and I’m not sure why,
This thought entered my spirit and mind.
We are often our own worst enemy,
And we create our own worst problems.
But, please remember, others are equally feeling
Their wounds are hurting, and you have the salve of healing.
Be kind to one another, for one day, it may be you
On the other side of the Knife and Peg.
Thank you for reading.
Please share with others.
It helps me get my book written!